"House Speaker's Plan to Avert Shutdown Sparks Controversy and Bipartisan Support"

House Speaker Mike Johnson's proposal to fund the government is facing pushback from conservative lawmakers who oppose a massive spending package, setting up a potential showdown within the House Republican conference ahead of a potential government shutdown. Johnson's two-step extension of current funding levels has drawn criticism from hard-right GOP members who argue that it fails to address fiscal irresponsibility. However, Johnson must also gain support from Democrats, who refuse to support an extension that includes conservative policy priorities. While the White House and Democrats haven't ruled out the proposal, it is unclear how much Democratic support Johnson will need. The continuing resolution must pass before the Friday deadline to avoid a government shutdown, which would impact essential services and delay benefits and services such as air travel, food assistance, and passport and visa services.